Aortopexy for persistent tracheal obstruction after double aortic arch repair.

Persistent respiratory symptoms often occur after double aortic arch (DAA) repair but rarely require a second operation. We report 4 children with severe respiratory problems (failure to extubate, 2; severe respiratory distress, 2) caused by severe tracheomalacia and tracheal compression after DAA repair, treated by anterior aortopexy. Aortopexy proved effective and safe in improving symptoms and provides a simple treatment option for children with severe malacia or tracheal compression after DAA repair.